Meaning & Origins

Anglicized form of the Gaelic name found in Ireland as Ruaidhrí and in Scotland as Ruairidh (see respective appendices). In Scotland this is further Anglicized to Roderick. In recent times, Rory has come into popular general use.

German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): nickname from German braun ‘brown’ (Middle High German brūn), referring to the color of the hair, complexion, or clothing, or from the personal name Bruno, which was borne by the Dukes of Saxony, among others, from the 10th century or before. It was also the name of several medieval German and Italian saints, including St. Bruno, the founder of the Carthusian order (1030–1101), who was born in Cologne.